New Delhi – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday night, March 12, 2026, to discuss the worsening situation in West Asia following escalating conflict in the region.
During the call, Mr Modi raised concern over rising tensions and the impact of the conflict on civilians, including reports of deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure. The conversation came as hostilities linked to the ongoing confrontation between Iran and Israel continue to affect several countries in the Gulf region.
The Indian leader also spoke about the safety of Indian nationals living and working across West Asia and the importance of keeping trade routes open, particularly those linked to energy supplies that many countries rely on.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Mr Modi said in a post on the social media platform X (Twitter).
“The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities,” the Prime Minister added.
The crisis has intensified following military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran, an offensive that reportedly led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last month. Iran has since launched drones and missiles targeting Israel and United States military facilities across the Gulf region.
Some of the strikes have also affected key international business and aviation centres such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Doha in Qatar.
Shipping routes have also been affected after Iran closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes. Much of India’s energy imports travel through this narrow waterway.
Two days before the call between the two leaders, a bulk oil carrier sailing to India reportedly came under fire from Iranian forces while attempting to pass through the strait.
India has been monitoring the developments closely. Officials in New Delhi said earlier reports suggesting that Iranian authorities had already allowed Indian vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz were premature.
Mr Modi has been in contact with several leaders across the region over the past 10 days as tensions escalated. He has held discussions with leaders from Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Israel and Qatar.
Those conversations also covered the security and welfare of Indian communities living across the Gulf and West Asia.
Approximately one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries and the wider West Asian region. Around 10,000 Indian citizens are currently living, studying or working in Iran, while more than 40,000 are based in Israel.
Mr Modi also called for diplomatic engagement to ease tensions and bring the conflict to an end.
“Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” he wrote.
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